His work against the Raiders alone was like watching Will Hunting in an eighth grade algebra class. The opponents took notice, it seems, in the first round of the NFL draft. The Raiders, benefitting from the Bills move up to fourth to snare wide receiver Sammy Watkins, selected linebacker Khalil Mack in the fifth spot. Many scouts view him as potentially the best player in the draft, a power rusher and playmaker from Buffalo, who improved his stock by dominating against Ohio State last season.

The Kansas City Chiefs, a surprise contender last season, chose defensive end Dee Ford of Auburn. He is a bit undersized at 6-foot-2, 252 pounds, but is considered a strong pass rusher. Ford plays with energy, and will be counted on to provide pressure off the edge.

San Diego chose a player that might have been a Bronco. Many mock drafts had Denver linked to TCU's Jason Verrett. He is considered the best slot corner in the draft. He will have a chance to prove it facing the Broncos' Wes Welker and Emmanuel Sanders twice a year.

The Broncos were eyeing cornerbacks. They got theirs in Bradley Roby. He's much bigger than the 5-foot-9 Verrett, and known for his toughness. NFL analyst Michael Irvin said the Broncos added "a talented guy who can give them attitude."

"The Raiders were probably thrilled that Mack fell to five. All the teams did well," Elway said. "And they went defense."

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Second day plans. The Broncos are expected to remain on the hunt for defensive help Friday when the second and third rounds are held. The Broncos have a linebacker on their radar that could be available when their 63rd selection hits. Denver likes BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy. He improved his stock by returning for his senior season. He is a playmaker and versatile.

An offensive tackle can't be ruled out Friday. With the Broncos committed to trying Orlando Franklin at left guard, they would like to add a tackle for depth.

"It fulfills a need for us. Never say never, but chances are (we don't look for another cornerback)," Elway said. "We have the opportunity to go through it a little differently because of what we took care of."

Footnotes. The Broncos wanted to trade up. It's likely it would have been for a linebacker such as Ryan Shazier or C.J. Mosley. It didn't happen. "It was a very busy evening. The price was too high to move up. But we tried," Elway said. ... Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback, has selected defensive players each year of his drafts. "I have thought about that. Look at this draft and the depth is on the offensive side."

Lockheed says object part of 'sensor technology' testing that ended ThursdayWhat the heck is that thing? It's fair to assume that question was on the minds of many people who traveled along Colo. 128 south of Boulder this week if they happened to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a large, silver projectile perched alongside the highway and pointed north toward town.

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